The European Investment Bank is owned by the 28 EU countries. It borrows money on the capital markets and lends it at a low interest rate to projects that improve infrastructure, energy supply or environmental standards both inside the EU and in neighbouring or developing countries.

The European Investment Bank supports projects in the EU countries, and invests in future member and partner countries.

It borrows money on the capital markets rather than drawing on the EU budget. The money is lent on favourable terms to projects in line with EU policy objectives.

In 2008, the EIB raised nearly €60 bn. The EIB works on a non-profit basis and lends at a rate close to the cost of borrowing.